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State Senator · Legislative District 30 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
Maryland State Senators represent their local districts in the General Assembly, where they propose and vote on laws covering issues like education, transportation, and public safety. They are responsible for approving the state’s annual budget and have the unique power to confirm or reject the Governor’s appointments for judges and agency leaders. This office is critical because its decisions determine how state tax dollars are spent and which policies govern your local community.
View all candidates in this raceShaneka T. Henson is an Annapolis native and elected official who has served in the Maryland General Assembly since 2017, including a tenure as a House Delegate from 2019 to 2025 before her appointment to the State Senate in 2025. She is a trial attorney, former Alderwoman, and principal at Johnson Legal Group, LLC, having previously worked for the Maryland Office of Attorney General and YWCA. Throughout her tenure, she has been described as a steadfast advocate for legislation that empowers Marylanders to live well with a focus on equity, opportunity, and dignity across every stage of life. Her legislative record includes sponsoring bills related to housing accountability, mold remediation standards, legal education support for HBCUs, and protections for pregnant students and tenants. She is the first Black woman to hold the Annapolis Senate seat and continues to champion policies that safeguard education, promote fairness, protect the environment, and foster a strong community.
Sources: Campaign website
"Throughout her tenure in the Maryland General Assembly, Senator Shaneka Henson has been a steadfast advocate for legislation that empowers Marylanders to live well—focusing on equity, opportunity, and dignity across every stage of life."
"Shaneka believes public safety extends beyond the law... comprehensive community-based public infrastructure that focuses on creating a robust and multi-sector public safety ecosystem..."
"Federal and State safety net housing programs are intended to protect the most vulnerable Marylanders - such as the elderly, people with severe disabilities, and young children..."
"There’s no day off for Shaneka Henson. When she isn’t on the floor lobbying to protect the rights of District 30 residents or attending community events, she’s pouring into her creative hobbies such as interior design or attending live poetry and music performances."
Source: shanekahenson.com
Housing
Advocates for resilience pathways including helping seniors age in place, increasing first-time homebuyer assistance funding, and establishing a fund for intermediate maintenance of subsidized multi-family housing.
“Federal and State safety net housing programs are intended to protect the most vulnerable Marylanders - such as the elderly, people with severe disabilities, and young children... Help seniors age in place and protect rental housing indoor air quality. Increase first-time homebuyer assistance funding and programs.”
Education
Sponsored HB1268 to support aspiring law students at HBCUs with mentorship and full-ride scholarships, passed HB539 for tuition reimbursement during mental health crisis, and SB511 requiring public universities to support pregnant and parenting students.
“In education, Shaneka passed HB1268 , the Legal Education Success Collaborative Act... She also pushed forward HB1349 , which secured bonuses for education support professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic... SB511 , the Pregnant and Parenting Student Support Act , requires public universities to implement plans supporting pregnant and parenting students,”
Public Safety
Works to build comprehensive community-based public infrastructure that unites all levels of government, organizations, and people that support health and safety. Sponsored the Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act SB856 for stricter mold requirements on landlords.
“Shaneka believes public safety extends beyond the law... Shaneka Henson works to build and invest in comprehensive community-based public infrastructure... She also established the Workgroup on Mold Standards and Remediation through HB976 , aiming to develop best practices for mold assessment and remediation to protect public health.”
Environment
Demonstrated deep concern for ecological restoration in state environmental law via SB722. Also supported urban farmers by establishing an assistance program through the University of Maryland Extension.
“Shaneka has also shown deep concern for economic justice... HB540 supported urban farmers by establishing an assistance program through the University of Maryland Extension, fostering sustainable agriculture and local food production. She is a staunch advocate for equity in every facet of society, demonstrated in her work on SB722 , which defined ecological restoration in state environmental law.”
Small Business
Helped pass legislation that provided exemptions for business personal property tax, benefiting small business owners by relieving them of undue tax burdens.
“Through HB268 , she helped pass legislation that provided exemptions for business personal property tax, benefiting small business owners by relieving them of undue tax burdens.”
“In education, Shaneka passed HB1268 , the Legal Education Success Collaborative Act... She also pushed forward HB1349 , which secured bonuses for education support professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic...”
Source“Federal and State safety net housing programs are intended to protect the most vulnerable Marylanders - such as the elderly, people with severe disabilities, and young children... Help seniors age in place...”
Source“Shaneka believes public safety extends beyond the law... comprehensive community-based public infrastructure that focuses on creating a robust and multi-sector public safety ecosystem...”
Source“She is a staunch advocate for equity in every facet of society, demonstrated in her work on SB722 , which defined ecological restoration in state environmental law.”
Source“HB364 extended the sales and use tax exemption to medical devices, ensuring that vital healthcare tools remain affordable for Marylanders.”
Source“Through HB268 , she helped pass legislation that provided exemptions for business personal property tax, benefiting small business owners by relieving them of undue tax burdens.”
Source“Help seniors age in place and protect rental housing indoor air quality.”
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